The Sonthland Times. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1868.

Southland Times, Issue 1025, 21 September 1868, Page 2

The Sonthland Times. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1868.

Fob a considerable time past the press has J been studiously cautious in its remarks upon the mineral resources of the province, and perhaps displayed a reticence that may in some measure have retarded the development of an industry which-^-there is ample evidence to justify the belief — will ultimately become one of great importance. The frequent announcements that were made three or four years ago of new gold discoveries* which excited hopes that were not realized, will sufficiently explain the reason for the course adopted. There ! can be no question as to the fact of gold being largely distributed through some districts of this province — that a large extent of auriferous land is waiting for labor and enterprise to determine its value. For two years past a number of miners have been steadily and profitably working at the Orepuki, and in the gullies leading from the beach to the Longwood Ranges. There are therefore fair grounds for concluding that quarfcz-reefs would be found were these gullies, traced to their source. Hope deferred has naturally a tendency to da up the energies of the miners and contract the operations of the capatalist. This has been the case in Southland. Prospects of a promising character have been found in the ranges, but the want of tracks through the scrub, and the impossibility of conveying adequate appliances to the localities it is most desirable should be fairly tested, has lead many to abandon ground they were firmly convinced would, under more favorably circumstances, have proved of great value, while the few who have persistently worked ground less promising, but easier of access, have done well. The questions now to be considered are, should an effort be made to ascertain the probabilities of a good goldfield being opened up in this Province • and if such an effort is to be made, what shape should it take ? In answer to the first, we would say, undoubtedly it should. It is proved that the flats which contain gold are fed by the waters and debris from the Longwood Ranges, and that highe** up the gullies heavier gold is to be found. It is presumable, nay more, almost certain, that this gold is only the wash from higher and richer auriferous ground. That quartz reefs exist in the ranges no geologist can reasonably question, and therefore a determined effort should be made to find them; the fact that a few individual prospectors have tried, and failed to succeed, is no evidence that they do not exist In illustration of this, we may cite the Gipps Land Goldfields of Victoria, which are now as valuable as any in that colony. Twelve years ago private prospecting parties were at work in the Omeo country, and found gold, but failed to discover payable ground, three years afterwards, three government prospecting parties were sent , out, and after a year's labor returned with the same report — gold was to be found but not in quantity. Still, some few had faith in. ultimate success, and what is the result? One of the finest agricultural countries in the colony has been found surprisingly rich in minerals, and in two years has become the home of a settled population of tens of thousands. To come nearer home. Auckland was jubilant over its Coromandel reefs, when the goldfieids of Otago were but in their infancy, but they failed for a long time to be remunerative — so long a time that the Coromandel diggings became a bye-word and a jeer. What is now the fact ? The small beginnings at Coromandel have led to the discovery of gold-bearing reefs unsurpassed for richness in the world. As it has been in Victoria and Auckland, may it not be in Southland ? We think it may, and believe it will. Touching the second question; — what should be the nature of the effort made to discover this hidden treasure ? We do not believe in Government prospecting parties, they have generally been costly and useless, and it would certainly not be desirable to adopt this system at the present time. There is another mode which might prove inex-

-1 pensive and successful, viz : — to offer a ! reward of 1000 acres of land, and j an extended "prospectors" .claim for the discovery of a goldfield that should within six months yield, say ; 15,0000z., of gold. This would be ait-; inducement for the capatilist to unite', with the miner in carrying outthe desired object — the discovery of \ payable goldfield, while it would, if successful, be a positive gain to the revenue, and i f unsuccessful there would be no loss incurred. Supposing such a field were discovered the gold duty alone would come to £1875. It was the adoption of this system of reward that led to the discovery of many valuable goldfields in Victoria, and the Dunstan Diggings in Otago. If addpted here we predict it would j have, a similiar result. The Provincial Oounc il will be in a few days in session. The Reports of the Goldfields Warden will, no doubt, be placed upon the table, and, without forestalling the information they may contain, we may venture to say that they will be sufficiently favorable to justify the Council in takiri g the proposition we have mentioned into serious consideration. It may be objected that the G-eneral Government would not sanction the allocation of land for this purpose. We think it would readily agree to such a proposal. However, it is a subject of great moment, and sho uld command the. attentive notice of the me mbers. If in conjunction with this scheme a few hundred pounds could be devoted to the cutting of tracks, intending prospectors would tender at a very low figure, not looking upon the work as one upon which a profit was . to be made, but rather as an aid to obtaining the reward.